Village Library
A library funded by Apex Club of Maleny and located in our school grounds has become a community centre for the nearby villages. It is constructed and designed based on tribal village traditional styles with modern adaptations, and is a beautiful asset to the school. The children love visiting the library after classes, and adults are using it for group readings of the traditional spiritual texts – a revival of an old practice. This project has been a real success.
There is a very low level of literacy in this area, especially among women and girls. We are planning to introduce adult literacy classes through the library; also to develop writers’ awards to encourage literacy development through subjects familiar to local people. Long-term plans include the development of a publishing house for books by the local people in their local language, and for subsequent translation into other languages including English.
Our library is currently very much in need of a fresh input of books. Any support with this would be very much welcomed! We buy books in India. Not only is it easier to get them to the village, but they’re culturally appropriate for both children and the adults.
